If the Miami Marlins really want to move forward with their fans, they might want to turn back the clock and bring back a fan favorite.
Much sooner than it ever seemed possible earlier this season, former Miami Marlins superstar Hanley Ramirez is a free agent.
The current Miami Marlins ownership should be gearing up to pounce on the phone once Ramirez clears waivers.
Technically, there is still a chance some team could trade for the veteran in the next few days, but that would entail taking on over $30 million in salary commitments. That would take a catastrophic injury and a huge leap of faith on the part of a desperate contender. Unlike with Matt Harvey, this former face of the franchise will almost certainly hit free agency.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
But in even sharper contrast to Matt Harvey, Ramirez is the former face of this Miami Marlins franchise. Despite never making the playoffs, and being a bit of a primadonna, he remains one of the most popular Marlins. Consequently, bringing Hanley back into the fold makes sense for a great many reasons.
Firstly, he would be a draw at the gate. Seeing Hanley in a Miami Marlins uniform again would absolutely cause some fans to cross the picket line.
Do it in time for that anniversary series next weekend- when Marlins players will don retro teal jerseys- and you might even see a mostly full stadium. Even role players can be ticket draws- Ichiro proved that for the past three seasons.
Why Marlins Need Ramirez
Bringing him back to Marlins Park for the last leg of his career would be a genius move marketing wise. Hanley still sits near the top of most of the Miami Marlins offensive records, and watching him chase down the ghosts of Stanton and others could send a thrill to the fanbase.
More practically though, there’s his position eligibility and veteran leadership to consider. Primarily, he’s a first baseman at this point. However, he can also play third and the outfield. The Miami Marlins can use as much of that flexibility as possible.
He can help the club rest Justin Bour, or allow them to play Brian Anderson at third. And on his off-days, provide an intimidating pinch-hitting option. Win-win for Don Mattingly.
Leadership-wise, adding Ramirez would help fill the vacuum moving one of the Marlins active veterans would create — looking at you, Starlin Castro.
Ultimately, someone is leaving town this July. As hated as the process is, there’s no reason not to play it out at this point. But dealing Castro to a second-base strapped contender becomes a lot easier when there are still leaders left in the clubhouse.
Naturally, this is all contingent on a playoff-bound club not deciding he’s worth as well. Yet regarding which team in baseball he offers the most value to, there’s no debating it’s Miami.
Next: MLB Draft: Red Sox Reloading, Contending
It just makes too much sense not to attempt. Adding Hanley Ramirez injects needed excitement into the on-field Miami Marlins. Just as importantly though, he does it without having a dramatic WAR impact that affects the Miami Marlins off-field plans.
Just their pocketbooks in terms of attendance and merchandise.